Calabar safe for Eagles/Flames tie

FIFA has assured Malawi’s Flames of safety at Nigeria’s U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, during the September 7, 2013 World Cup qualifier against the Super Eagles.

Football Association of Malawi (FAM) chief executive officer, Suzgo Nyirenda on Thursday confirmed that FIFA responded to the local association’s letter in which it raised concerns over security in Calabar and asked for a change of venue to either Abuja or a neighbouring country.

“In the letter, FIFA admits that our concerns are genuine. It is not like we said we do not want to travel to Nigeria. We are just waiting for the Nigeria Football Federation to provide us the guarantee. Once they do that, we will travel to Nigeria,” Nyirenda explained on Thursday.

On Monday last week, FIFA wrote to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) seeking assurance over the security of the Flames during the Group F qualifier.